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Special Leave Accrual for Ship, Mobile Unit, and Operational Duty Is Suspended

MARADMIN 341/26·July 30, 2026·2 min read·Official source
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The Marine Corps issued a change to MARADMIN 188/25 on 28 July 2026, suspending Special Leave Accrual (SLA) for Marines assigned to deployable ships, mobile units, and most operational duties. The legal requirement is that the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) must formally designate those assignments before SLA eligibility exists. That designation hasn't happened, so no one in the chain of command currently has the authority to approve those requests. This is effective immediately.

★ Affects all reservists: If you have a pending SLA request based on ship, mobile unit, or operational duty assignment, it will be returned to you without action until SECNAV publishes formal designations.

Who it affects

All Marines, total force. If you are a reservist on orders attached to a deployable ship, mobile unit, or other operational duty and you were counting on SLA, this affects you directly. The three suspended categories are:

  • SLA based on deployable ship or mobile unit assignment
  • SLA based on "other duty" designation
  • SLA based on contingency operations

What you need to do

  1. Check whether you have a pending SLA request that falls under any of the three suspended categories above.
  2. If you do, expect it to come back to you unactioned. Do not resubmit yet.
  3. If you believe your situation falls under the HFP/IDP exception (see Key Dates section), talk to your IPAC or unit S-1 to confirm eligibility.
  4. Watch for a follow-on MARADMIN. HQMC will publish one once SECNAV formally designates qualifying ships, units, and duties. That is when approvals can resume.

Key dates

  • Effective immediately: Suspension of SLA for deployable ship, mobile unit, and operational duty categories began upon release of this MARADMIN (28 July 2026).
  • HFP/IDP exception: Marines who serve at least 120 consecutive days in a formally designated Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay area remain eligible for SLA. This exception is not suspended.
  • No announced end date: The suspension lifts when SECNAV publishes formal designations. HQMC will announce that in a follow-on MARADMIN.

The official version

This policy comes from MARADMIN 341/26, which updates MARADMIN 188/25. The governing order is MCO 1050.3J (Leave, Liberty and Administrative Absence). Questions go to your IPAC or unit S-1. You can also reach HQMC Manpower Military Policy (MPO) Branch directly at SMB_HQMC_MPO@USMC.MIL or (703) 784-9371.

This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • Advance Notification of Changes to Special Leave Accrual (MARADMIN 188/25)MARADMIN

    This is the earlier message that this MARADMIN directly updates and partially suspends. Reservists need it to understand the original SLA policy framework and the specific paragraphs (6.b, 6.c, 6.d) now on hold.

  • Leave, Liberty, and Administrative Absence regulations (MCO 1050.3J)Reference

    This is the Marine Corps order governing leave and liberty policy. This MARADMIN signals that an upcoming change to this order will incorporate the SLA updates described here.

  • Leave and Liberty Procedures for Service Members (DODI 1327.06, Change 5, 7 Aug 2023)Reference

    This DoD instruction outlines the qualifying criteria for Special Leave Accrual, including the requirement that the Secretary concerned formally designate eligible ships, mobile units, or duties before SLA eligibility is established.

  • National Defense Authorization Act, Section 632 (Public Law 117-263)Reference

    This is the statutory authority that sets the legal criteria for SLA eligibility. It underpins the requirement for formal SECNAV designation before Marines can qualify for SLA under deployable ship, mobile unit, or other duty categories.

  • United States Code, Title 37, Section 501Reference

    This is the federal law governing special pay and leave entitlements for service members. This MARADMIN remains in effect until its policy is incorporated into this statute or the MARADMIN is cancelled.

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